Place: Ratings & Reviews

Reviews by ikats:

I am originally from Riga, and I go back about once a year to visit my friends. I have stopped by Alus Arsenals twice during different visits. I quite like it. I am not very familiar with Riga's dining scene, but I consider Alus Arsenals more traditional fare, which adds to my enjoyment (I don't particular want to go to TGI Friday's or some British pub while in Riga).

Alus Arsenals has an average patio on a street corner. It's a relatively quiet part of Old Town close to Riga Castle. Both times however I have dined inside the restaurant. The entrance is around the corner. A tiny courtyard takes you to the stairs. The restaurant is actually in the basement of the building, but it is quite spacious. There is a very small bar upfront, lots of tables behind it, then turn the corner and there are more tables.

On my visit the place has been quiet. Actually, I believe the last time my friend and I were the only customers for a moment. Not sure if it ever gets packed. During a nice day though the patio can be full.

Service was prompt and courteous. No issues. No complaints. All questions answered. During my last visit I overheard the bartender (who was also our waiter - the place was really empty) talking to a customer in English. No issues there as well. I am not completely sure now, but I believe the menu is in Latvian, Russian and English.

They have a very decent selection. Mostly (if not all) are local beers. It is a very important factor for me (I try to drink as local as possible most of the time). My favorite would be Uzhavas beers. Ingver is nice too. They have their own beer - Alus Arsenals (alus is beer in Latvian) - light and dark (unfortunately, it is appears that this is the primary division of beer scene in Latvia at the moment - light or dark). I did ask who brews it for them, but I forgot the answer.

Food needs a special mention. As I said, I view this place as somewhat traditional. On my first visit I had some pig ears (which along with pig snouts is considered traditional, old-fashioned Latvian food, although rarely eaten nowadays). Quite an interesting experience (taste was fine, but the view of a large ear standing in the middle of my place was a little too much). I don't have any complaints about the food.

I definitely recommend a visit. And I'll probably go back there myself.